The Government took a number of measures in the budget to protect people from the cost-of-living crisis, not least the increase in the fuel allowance for those who are over 70 years of age and who earn up to €26,000 and for couples earning up to €52,000 where one member of the couple is over 70. That is a really important measure. Many people are waiting for it, particularly because of the benefits of the better energy warmer homes scheme, but the Department is indicating that the payments will be made in the first quarter of next year and backdated to 1 January. Will the Tánaiste raise with the relevant Minister the need to have applications for the scheme open as soon as possible in order that people can make their applications and that the Department process those claims as soon as possible?

I certainly will. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Humphreys, spoke about this issue at a meeting only yesterday evening. She is very keen to get the application process under way as soon as possible because there will be a lot of applications and the sooner we can open the applications, the sooner we can make the payments. The Minister does not want to wait until the new year to do that. She is working on this with her officials with a view to opening applications as soon as possible.